Rabbi Jon Hanish Recognized By NAMI With 2017 California Outstanding Clergy Award

WOODLAND HILLS, CA (August, 28, 2017) - Temple Kol Tikvah, a Reform Movement congregation in Woodland Hills, proudly announced today that its Senior Rabbi, Jon Hanish, has been recognized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) with the 2017 California Outstanding Clergy Award. The honor is awarded in recognition of devoted and compassionate service to those with mental illness and their families. Past winners of this award include Pastor Rick and Kay Warren (2014).

“We cannot ignore those who are afflicted with mental illness. We need to treat them and their families with the same love and care that we provide to those suffering from any physical illness,” said Rabbi Jon Hanish. “A spiritual community’s goal is to open its arms to all. Even if we are not always successful, we must attempt to move forward to better ourselves and our community.”

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is a volunteer-based organization that assists those with mental illness and their families by providing resources, lecturers, and support groups. He started his relationship with NAMI when asked to participate on a clergy panel in 2013. Over the past four years, he has become a regular guest speaker at NAMI events talking about Judaism and mental health.

This year, as was done during Yom Kippur a year ago, he has scheduled a NAMI speaker between morning and afternoon services at Temple Kol Tikvah. In 2016, the session was designed for 40 people and over 80 showed up. It was a standing room only crowd.

Hanish often emphasizes in his comments prior to the misheberach, the healing prayer said during services, that it is not just for those with physical and spiritual challenges but also for those with mental illness. He hopes this opens a door for those who are afraid to share mental health issues with the clergy and with the community.

Through his participation in NAMI, Rabbi Hanish realized the importance of eliminating the stigma associated with mental illness. This past summer, he organized a two-night NAMI “Care and Share Training” in which 12 congregants and community professionals participated with the ultimate goal of creating a Faithnet Support Group at Kol Tikvah. Faithnet groups can be found nationwide. They are support groups based out of religious institutions and are part of NAMI. The “Care and Share Training” was the first of its kind in California.

Temple Kol Tikvah is a Reform Movement Congregation located at 20400 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA, 91364 led by Rabbi Jon Hanish, Rabbi Becky Hoffman and Cantor Noa Shaashua. Its doors are open to all. For more information, please call 818-348-0670. For more information about NAMI go to either namica.org or nami.org

Rabbi Hanish’s award acceptance comments:

“Bad things happen to good people and where is God? People are afflicted with illnesses of the mind, body and soul and where is God? We suffer – each and everyone of us – and where is God?

On too many occasions I am questioned about God as if God is a magician. Let me state – God is not a magician but God is present. God is present in this organization... God is present in the strength each of us finds to get through the most difficult of situations... God is present in the well of holy strength that resides in our souls and allows us to move forward.

My goal is to bring the acts of God to the forefront of community. Acts of God are the actions taken by us and our communities to embrace everyone.

No illness, no affliction, no challenge, should be suffered alone. Community is needed. If religious leaders are not willing to open their doors and hearts to all, families and individuals need to declare ‘this is not a holy community’ and then continue their search. Don’t stop until you find one that is accepting, one that is truly doing holy work.

I know many religious leaders who do more than me when it comes to mental health issues. I feel dwarfed by their efforts. All I can do is say thank you to NAMI for this unexpected award and promise to continue on our mission of education, communication and community.

My blessing for all of you – may you have a conference filled with spiritual renewal so that you depart feeling refreshed and ready to assist those in need. Amen.”